Multidisciplinary design practice FK has revealed the designs for the much anticipated hotel and mixed-use precinct at Garema Place in central Canberra.

Strategically located at 70 Bunda Street in Canberra’s city centre, the hotel will play a pivotal role in the reinvigoration of Garema Place and Bunda Street.

The hotel’s design has evolved recently with Canberra based developer TP Dynamics collaborating with hotel operator Crystalbrook Collection to increase the number of rooms to 238 and emphasise the trademark responsible luxury experience that Crystalbrook is renowned for.

Designs pay homage to Canberra's rich architectural heritage and the city's iconic civic style through its elegant form, materiality and connection to surrounding public spaces.

A sophisticated facade takes cues from Canberra's celebrated concrete buildings seen throughout the parliamentary triangle and other government precincts.

"Canberra has a unique and recognisable design language of civic architecture which we find inspiring. We also acknowledge the legacy of the Griffin Plan and the built form geometries which make Canberra such a unique city in Australia" said FK partner Craig Baudin.

"The design of Crystalbrook Canberra taps into that DNA of expressive concrete civic architecture whilst giving it a contemporary richness that comes with a 5-star luxury hospitality experience."

The architectural design responds to the site’s geometry, with subtlety curved facades to Bunda Street and Garema Place. Complementary frontages with striking vertical columns are interspersed with metallic inlays, tall linear glazing and fine concrete detailing.

Its curvilinear form cascades southward to Garema Place, ensuring sunlight into the adjoining plaza.

The curved southern facade embraces the plaza, with a new signature restaurant set to create a vibrant dining arcade and connect with Garema laneway.

Paying respect to Canberra's evolving hospitality culture, the building will incorporate the city's first al fresco dining venue - the beloved Gus's Cafe - relocating it to an expanded corner position on the same intersection it has occupied since the 1970s when outdoor dining was still a novelty.

Guests and visitors will enter the hotel from Bunda Street through a concrete portal facade. The arrival experience is enhanced by a feature stair and lift lobby, which will connect through to a pre-function space and a series of meeting rooms.

A large ballroom and function space will have a fully glazed outlook over Garema Place at the upper level.

Boasting a wellness floor that will include treatment and therapy rooms with garden terraces, spa and sauna, the hotel will also include a dramatic cantilevered pool that looks down into a lushly planted atrium.

The upper level will also include a rooftop restaurant and bar in addition to the lower-level restaurants.

Inside, the soaring central atrium filled with plants brings light and air down through the hotel floors.

This light-filled space marks an impressive arrival experience as well as a visual connection to the lobby, ballroom and restaurants.

On the upper levels, the luxury accommodation provides different perspectives on the capital for guests. Rooms oriented south look towards City Hill, Lake Burley Griffin and other iconic Canberra landmarks, while the rooftop amenities offer panoramic views across the picturesque cityscape.

“With increased efforts to revitalise the urban landscape within central Canberra and a particular focus on the rebirth of Garema Place, we’re excited to be a part of this journey of reinvigoration," said FK associate principal David Robinson.

“The striking scale and greenery of the atrium provides a moment of surprise and intrigue that will make for a truly memorable guest experience” - he added.

“We’re excited to be expanding our portfolio of luxury sustainably led hotels to Australia’s capital. The hotel is part of a major transformation of Canberra Civic Centre, and we’re pleased to partner with FK and TP Dynamics to bring a unique design and immersive guest experience to life” Geoff York, CEO of Crystalbrook Collection, said.

TP Dynamics Managing Director Tony Pan said “FK’s design approach aligns harmoniously with TP Dynamic’s vision for the site and the future of our capital - their depth of experience, craftsmanship and design aesthetic will contribute to the transformation of Canberra’s Civic Centre.”

Each hotel in the Crystalbrook Collection portfolio carries a unique expression and personality that is informed by the local area and creates sustainably-led luxury experiences.

Working with a brand that values flexibility in its design led solutions is delivering a striking and exciting hotel and hospitality experience for locals and visitors to the area.

Crystalbrook Canberra is set to open in 2027.

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